The Master in DATA SCIENCE program is a joint program launched by three academic institutions: ENSEA, INP-HB and X Polytechnique with the support of the ORANGE group, the societe générale CI and the SANLAM group.

This Master’s Degree is to train experts in the field of Statistics, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data. It will enable them to appropriate Engineering skills based on the new developments in the storage and processing of massive data. This course focuses on advanced computer engineering based on a mastery of distributed environments, parallel computing and NoSQL databases; and on statistical methods, artificial learning and data visualization adapted to the analysis and modelling of large masses of data.

The training program is structured around courses on Big Data models, tools and storage methodologies. The training is focused on practice, with an emphasis on the actual mastery of the Data Scientist’s tools. The students of this program carry out practical work and studies in connection with the theoretical learning.

English is an important part of the curriculum, and courses are dedicated to  TOEFL exam. The courses will be taught by professors from INP-HB, professors from X-Polytechnique Paris Saclay and professionals who are experts in their field. A joint diploma (INP-HB, X-Polytechnique) will be awarded.

At the end of the training, the students of the Master Data Science program will have skills enabling them to work in the following professions:

* Data administrator
* Big Data Engineer
* Data Mining Researcher
* Data Analyst
* Data Scientist

Within the framework of the latest Contract of Objectives and Performance concluded with the French State, which is in line with the construction of the University Paris-Saclay, the École polytechnique (X) contributes its original multidisciplinary model combining science and engineering, thanks to a strong integration between its training cycles and its research centre. The multi-year contracts signed with the State also emphasize the need for closer ties with the business world, the necessary partnership policy to be implemented and the resulting increase in the School’s own resources. The creation of Chairs for companies is a direct response to these objectives.

It is in this context that Orange SA wished to support the Fondation de l’École Polytechnique, and Orange Côte d’Ivoire, the Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny (INP-HB) and the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Statistique et d’Economie Appliquée (ENSEA) in the framework of the project to create a chair entitled “Data Science Institute” by the Academic Partners.

The Stakeholders wish to contribute together to the development of Data Science training. The work of the Chair will concern the setting up of courses, at national and international level, with the following triple objective.

To develop, through a master’s degree course, a profile of engineers open to the specialisation of the data science professions, a profile for which national and international interest is growing.

To propose to develop continuing education actions, aimed at working professionals, allowing them to understand the stakes and practical difficulties of data sciences.Encourage innovative and original research in data science.

The “Data Science Institute” project aims to accelerate the development of data management skills in Côte d’Ivoire and West Africa, with a desire, expressed by economic and political actors, to localise both training and added value.
Hosted by two Ivorian institutions, it plans to set up an international-level course of excellence in data sciences, initially for students, then for company executives.

Candidates are recruited at the High School Diploma + 3 years of university degrees level with a statistical or computer science profile. The duration of the training is two years.

• Statistical profile: Statistics, Data Mining, Mathematics, Bio-Statistics, Epidemiology, Econometrics, Quantitative Finance, Actuarial Science or any related discipline.
• Computer Science Profile: Computer Science, Telecommunications, Industrial Sciences, Operations Research, Geodesy or any related discipline

Admission to the Master’s program is strictly by competitive entry examination. A first entry examination will be organised for residents in Côte d’Ivoire and a second one for residents outside Côte d’Ivoire,  to take into account travel constraints. The first class will be composed of 25 students.

The first year will take place at the INP-HB in Yamoussoukro. Students will be housed on the campus of the institution. The second year will take place in Abidjan and will include an internship period of 4 to 6 months.